“Vulgarity won’t drive out vulgarity, and bullying won’t drive out bullies” – Standards of public officials’ behavior continue to degrade without consequence.

On Jan. 3 at a public reception, freshman Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., referred to the President of the United States as a “motherf—er”in the context of a promise to impeach him. Americans expect—and deserve—a higher level of behavior and public discourse than this situation exemplifies, not only from their legislators, but from their President, who also has a record of using profanity at public events. Individuals elected to public office have historically been held to a higher standard, expected to behave with decency, respect and professionalism. Inappropriate or explicit language should not be accepted as a new standard for American political debate. At this time, no action has been taken in response to Rep. Tlaib’s comments, nor has an apology been issued.